Public health and safety; Mitch's Law; Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances Act; Schedule V; loperamide; effective date.
If passed, Mitch's Law would modify existing Oklahoma statutes related to controlled substances. It would establish guidelines on who may dispense products containing loperamide and place limits on how much may be acquired by individuals in specific timeframes. For instance, individuals would be allowed to purchase no more than 48 milligrams of loperamide per transaction, aiming to prevent large-scale purchases that could lead to misuse.
House Bill 2618, also known as Mitch's Law, is designed to amend the Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances Act with a specific focus on regulating loperamide, a medication typically used to treat diarrhea. The bill aims to classify loperamide as a Schedule V controlled substance, which would impose restrictions on its dispensing and purchasing. This measure is introduced in response to concerns about the potential misuse of loperamide in making illicit drugs, as rising abuse rates have been reported in various regions.
The proposal may face opposition from some pharmacy associations and civil liberties groups who argue that additional restrictions could impede legitimate access for patients needing the medication. They may contend that patients living with chronic health issues, who require access to loperamide, could be adversely affected by the new regulations. Furthermore, the implications of classifying more substances as controlled raise concerns about the adequacy of patients' rights and the overall pharmaceutical market in Oklahoma.